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LGBTQ+ Health Resources

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Click on one of the topics below to find a collection of resources from both national and local organizations for LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and providers. These resources can be used to find LGBTQ+ welcoming providers, cancer services, educational material, peer support, cultural competency trainings and more.

Background

LGBTQ+ is an acronym used to represent a diverse spectrum of sexualities and gender-identities. LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (see here for definitions). The “plus” in LGBTQ+ represents all other sexual and gender identities not covered in the acronym (i.e., asexual, pansexual, etc.). The LGBTQ+ community is diverse and includes people of all races, ethnicities, ages, socioeconomic statuses, and walks of life.

lgbtq group of people

Regarding healthcare, members of the LGBTQ+ community may have unique health needs.1 Public health is for all people, and everyone should have access to healthcare. Unfortunately, many health disparities, differences, and challenges exist between LGBTQ+ individuals compared to their cis gender, heterosexual counterparts. Some examples are listed below.

  • LGBTQ+ individuals are at a greater risk of:
    • Anxiety and depressive mood disorders.1
    • Suicide and suicidal thoughts.1
    • Alcohol and substance abuse.1,2
    • Tobacco use.1,3
  • LGBTQ+ people have less access to healthcare:
    • Less likely to have health insurance.1,4
    • Less likely to have a regular healthcare provider.1
    • More likely to delay preventative cancer care (like cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations).4
    • More likely to report poor quality of care, lack of cultural competence, and unfair treatment by providers.5
  • LGBTQ+ people are at a greater risk for certain conditions and diseases:
    • Higher risk for certain cancers (For example, potential cancer disparities in cervical, breast, lung, and other types of cancer).4,6
    • Higher rates of HPV infection and related cervical or anal cancers.7
    • Gay and bisexual men are more affected by HIV/AIDS than any other group in the United States.1,8
    • Lesbian and bisexual women are more likely to be obese than heterosexual women.9
  • LGBTQ+ patients report feeling uncomfortable seeking or receiving health, mental, and cancer care. Some of the reasons for this include:10
    • Fear of discrimination
    • Negative experiences
    • Lower rates of health insurance
    • Denial of gender-affirming care (for example, one in five transgender patients have been turned away by a healthcare provider).10

Stony Brook Medicine LGBTQ+ Survey

LGBQ people

The 2021 Stony Brook Medicine LGBTQ+ survey was the first complete health needs assessment of the LGBTQ* population on Long Island. The survey uncovered some striking results regarding mental health, healthcare access, health behaviors, LGBTQ+ priority issues and more.

Some key findings include:

  • 43.6% of the 1,150 respondents reported having “fair/poor” mental health.
    • For comparison, only 14.8% of the public in Suffolk County report having “fair” to “poor” mental health.11
  • 33.5% had thoughts of self-harm and 23.9% had seriously considered suicide in the past 3 years.
  • 57.3% of respondents were overweight or obese.
    • For comparison, 29.1% of adults in NYS are considered obese.12
  • Only 55.6% had a routine checkup in the past year and 25% did not have a regular primary care provider.
    • For comparison, only 15% of adults in NYS do not have a regular healthcare provider.12
  • 34.9% of respondents were excessive drinkers.
    • For comparison, in NYS 16.7% adults report excessive alcohol use in the form of either binge or heavy drinking.13
  • Only 65.1% of eligible respondents aged 21 to 65 got screened for cervical cancer (Pap smear test) in the past 3 years.
    • For comparison, in 2020, it is estimated that 84.0% of NYS females ages 21 to 65 got screened for cervical cancer.14

To learn more about the survey and its findings visit: https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/LGBTQ/2021-Survey-Summary

References

Share Your Story

If you are willing to share your story about your healthcare experience, please contact the Suffolk County Office of Minority Health: OMH@suffolkcountyny.gov (631) 854-0378

Suffolk County Government

H. Lee Dennison Bldg

100 Veterans Memorial Hwy
P.O. Box 6100
Hauppauge, NY 11788

Riverhead County Center

County Road 51
Riverhead, NY 11901